We have all become very dependent on the access we have to electricity. It is not something that we hold as a treasure but as a necessity. We expect to walk into a place of business and be greeted by a sliding door, lights and music to set the mood. At home you want to have enough outlets that you can use your television, computer, lights, and run all the appliances in your home at the same time. The access that we feel we need is substantial and when it is taken from us it can be a real devastation. The great thing is that you can make sure that you are aware of your electrical system and what you can do to protect it. One of the problems is that electricity is creating energy that can turn to heat and risk a fire. You want to make sure that you are not creating any hazards that might put you in that position. Peterkin Electric outlines some common electrical hazards that may be present in your home.

Faulty Electrical Wiring

When you plug in your lamp or start to charge your cell phone you should be aware of the cord that you are using. If you notice that the cord has been damaged, frayed or broken you want to make sure that you stop using it and replace it. The exposed wires will not be able to circulate the electricity and that will lead to heat. The heat can then turn into a potential fire. There can also be a problem with the fixture or the outlet that can go unnoticed. That is why it is a good idea to always use an electrician when installing and repairing these types of things. They can ensure that they are installed properly and that the product they are using is in good shape.

Water Near Electrical Outlet

You also want to make sure that you are aware of the outlets that are near water. This can be outlets in the bathroom as well as outdoors. The moisture from these areas of your home can create an electric surge. That is why the outlets should have a GCFI so that it can be tripped if there is a problem. If the outlet is damaged o it is the wrong one it can create a fire hazard. Be sure to have your outlets inspected and replaced when necessary.

Misuse & Loose Electrical Outlet

Another problem that you can come across is the misuse of the outlets of the fixtures. Kids are the most likely culprit when they are walking around and end up sticking an item in the outlet. They tend to put things in the outlet and the best way to combat that is to make sure that you use covers that can be purchased. You want to avoid any sparks that can happen when you place an unapproved item in the outlet.